Ledbury Ambulance Station to go on sale on Monday (From Hereford Times)

Ledbury Ambulance Station to go on sale on Monday

2:00pm Friday 20th January 2012 in Ledbury

ON Monday the “for sale” sign will be outside Ledbury Ambulance Station as staff and vehicles move to the town’s Police station.

Chris Kowalik, ambulance service spokesman, said the station no longer met health and safety standards.

He said: “The station is basically a garage surrounded by rooms. Turn on a vehicle and the kitchen fills with fumes.”

By April Ledbury-based crews based at the police station will be doubling the emergency cover currently in place, to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, bringing Ledbury in line with other Herefordshire market towns.

This will be achieved not by increasing the number of vehicles – Ledbury will continue to have one ambulance and one paramedic car – but by operating a five-strong team of highly trained community paramedics, who will work a rota to provide constant cover for Ledbury.

Another change will be the use of a “Make Ready” hub, based at Ross Road in Hereford.

Ambulances in need of cleaning or repair will get a fast turnaround at the hub to give them more time to attend emergencies.

Mr Kowalik added: “We have secured a deal with West Mercia Police.There is accomodation for staff there and parking for vehicles.”

The asking price for Ledbury Ambulance Station will be about £115,000.